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Middle East and North Africa News

Egypt’s new constitution was adopted on December 22, 2012 amid intense political tensions and deep rifts between Islamists and liberal forces. Several articles include a stronger emphasis on religion than the 1971 constitution but its character is largely secular.

Israel’s surprising election result gives its wing-clipped prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, an opportunity to shift to the center, to reset the U.S.-Israeli relationship, and to seek a two-state solution, writes Jane Harman.

Al Qaeda and its affiliates may exploit the limited ability of new Arab governments to control their territory, according to the United States Institute of Peace's Dan Brumberg. Now the organization and its affiliates have no incentive to directly challenge the new governments. But they are likely establishing local cells that could pose a security threat.

On January 28, a new report by the Quilliam Foundation warned that the Mali conflict has now evolved into a global security threat. The latest chapter in the half-century old conflict began in July 2012 when Islamic extremists linked to al Qaeda seized control of northern Mali. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has been winning recruits since the mid-2000s, rebranding the Taureg nationalist movement as an Islamist one.

Women leaders in the Arab world were asked what three government actions are needed to foster “dignity.” The responses from women in four key Arab countries covered everything from disarming militias to imposing penalties for sexual harassment and more equitable tax laws.